Coping with caregiving

A recent Pew Research survey showed that one in four adults in the United States provides some form of care for an elderly relative or a child with health challenges or disabilities. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding. But the daily strain of arranging, overseeing and sometimes directly providing care can take its toll on the caregiver.

This is a common experience that even has a name — caregiver stress. Some of the signs are feeling overwhelmed or alone; sleeping too much or too little; gaining or losing a significant amount of weight; easily becoming angry or irritated; and frequently feeling tired, worried or sad.

Over time, the stress of constant caregiving can lead to depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system and other negative health effects.

The first step in addressing stress before it becomes a threat to your health is self-care. We can’t provide quality care to others if we aren’t taking good care of ourselves.

Go easy on yourself. You may need to rethink your idea of what you can reasonably accomplish. This could mean setting more realistic expectations of what you can do and letting go of some things. It also means asking for help from other family members.

Practice compassion. When you find yourself overwhelmed by demands of caregiving and wrestling with feelings of frustration, helplessness, resentment or guilt, you may be inclined to berate yourself for not being stronger or more patient. Compassion for yourself is what is needed.

What you have undertaken is difficult, no matter how necessary or rewarding.

Helpful tips to prevent caregiver stress

The Office on Women’s Health of the Department of Health and Human Services has these recommendations to help prevent or manage caregiver stress:

Learn ways to better help your loved one. Look for classes at your local hospital or ask your doctor for suggestions.